Sports

Vick Listed As Ohio’s No. 1 Quarterback

The Ohio Bobcats are no stranger to roster turnover, as the team has replaced many starters and all-conference players in between the past two seasons.

Now, heading into the 2014 season, it is the offense that is seeing the most turnover, as the unit returns just four starters from the previous season.

Perhaps the biggest question mark for the Bobcats squad is at quarterback, where redshirt junior Derrius Vick and redshirt sophomore J.D. Sprague have battled throughout spring practice to fill the void left by Tyler Tettleton.

According to Ohio’s first depth chart that was released Wednesday morning, Vick is currently listed as the No. 1 quarterback. Ohio coach Frank Solich noted that it is not set in stone.

“(Vick) has the kind of skills that if he puts it all together – athletically and mentally – he has a chance to be a great quarterback for us,” Solich said. “However, there is a competition here. There are other guys that are right there.”

Another area of question for the Bobcats will be at running back, as the spots held by Beau Blankenship and Ryan Boykin for the last few seasons are up for grabs.

The early leaders for those positions appear to be junior Daz’mond Patterson and senior Tim Edmond. Patterson has the most experience of the two backs. He has carried 72 times for 406 yards and three touchdowns in his two years as a Bobcat. Edmond saw some time in mop-up duty at running back in 2013, racking up 103 yards on 31 carries.

On defense, the Bobcats are pretty well set. The ‘Cats return eight starters from a disappointing 7-6 season, including FWAA All-American defensive end Tarell Basham.

“(Basham) has it all put together,” Solich said. “He’s got great athleticism, great relentless attitude, and he will pursue and run anyone down, and he doesn’t quit on any play. That’s where great players are made.”